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CALL FOR SCIENTIFIC COLLABORATIONS
Science 26 October 2025

JOIN OUR ZERO-EMISSION MISSIONS IN SERVICE OF THE OCEAN.

In May 2025, Race for Water launched its new expedition, the Ocean & Climate Odyssey, aboard a new ambassador vessel: the MODX 70 — an innovative catamaran with zero polluting or noise emissions. This new international journey, unfolding in multiple missions over 3 years, is dedicated to understanding the interconnections between the ocean, climate and biodiversity, and transforming that knowledge into a driver for collective action.

In continuity with its previous expeditions, this Odyssey brings to life the Foundation’s three flagship programmes:

  • LEARN – Conducting field investigations with scientific experts to better understand the ocean’s essential role in climate regulation and the preservation of life ;
  • SHARE – Raising awareness among decision-makers, educating the public and young generations on ocean issues through stopovers, workshops and educational programmes;
  • ACT – Promoting solutions that deliver long-term economic, environmental and social impact for the decarbonisation of maritime transport and the protection of marine ecosystems.

To make this new adventure a success, we are actively seeking scientific collaborations.

l THE MODX 70 — A FLAGSHIP FOR MARITIME ECOLOGICAL TRANSITION

Born from a collaboration between Océan Développement, Aeroforce and the Race for Water Foundation, the MODX 70 is a pioneering clean-navigation catamaran.
Thanks to its combined propulsion system — solar energy, hydrogeneration and automated wing sails — it sails without producing CO₂ or noise pollution, preserving marine life.

Its spacious and bright onboard environment makes it an exceptional platform for scientific research, as well as a unique meeting place for scientists, policymakers, economic actors, civil society and the media.

l SHIP SPECIFICATIONS

l ADVANCE YOUR OCEAN & CLIMATE RESEARCH PROJECTS

You are part of a research group — within a laboratory, university or research institute — working on a project related to major Ocean & Climate challenges such as:
• Ocean–Climate interactions: oceanographic parameters, circulation, temperature, biodiversity
• Monitoring and restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems (seagrass meadows, coral reefs, biodiversity)
• Observation and analysis of global change indicators
• Experimentation or demonstration of low-carbon solutions for the maritime sector

Race for Water invites you to embark on the MODX 70, to advance your research while minimising your impact on the marine environment.

You will be able to bring lightweight scientific equipment on board and benefit from an exceptional, spacious working environment designed for multidisciplinary collaboration.

l A SPACE FOR SCIENCE, DIPLOMACY & INFLUENCE

The MODX 70 acts as a catalyst for ideas and policy progress to protect the ocean and decarbonise maritime transport.

On board, scientists, policymakers, associations, private sector representatives and media come together to exchange knowledge, conduct field testing and co-create concrete solutions.

Each mission becomes a collective journey where dialogue sparks inspiring, actionable initiatives to protect the ocean and regenerate life.

l A SUCCESSFUL FIRST CAMPAIGN — THE POSIDONIA MISSION

In May 2025, the MODX 70 set sail for its first campaign: the Posidonia Mission. Alongside GIS Posidonie and the French Biodiversity Office, our crew explored 13 sites between Marseille and Eze to gather updated data on the lower limits of Posidonia seagrass meadows — reconnecting with 40 years of scientific monitoring.

Over 19 days at sea — with zero CO₂ emissions while sailing — the Foundation and its partners conducted 25 dives, relocated 8 historical markers, measured 10 lower boundaries, and collected 15 Posidonia matte samples.

Early results reveal a concerning regression of seagrass at its lower limits — a tangible sign of pressure on Mediterranean ecosystems.

Beyond the science, the Marseille and Nice stopovers (during the UN Ocean Conference) provided inspiring exchanges with the public, our scientific partners, policymakers, maritime industry players, NGOs and the media: 8 days docked, 1 seminar on maritime decarbonisation, 1 press conference, 180 attendees at public conferences365 students, and more than 75 institutional, economic and media stakeholders welcomed on board.

The MODX 70 clearly demonstrated its role as a bridge between science and action — a place where research, awareness and real-world commitment come together for ocean protection and maritime transition.

l UPCOMING MISSIONS

The provisional schedule and target geographical areas for the upcoming missions are as follows:
• May 2026: Mediterranean
November–December 2026 & 2027: from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean
• Late February–April 2027: Atlantic (from the Miami area to the southern European Atlantic coast)

During the transatlantic crossings, it is possible to carry out scientific missions in the departure and arrival areas, as well as along the route of the crossing.

Each mission lasts 4 to 6 weeks.

For the transatlantic crossings, up to 3 scientists can be hoasted on board, and up to 4 for other geographic areas.

Autonomous data-collection equipment installed on board, or samples taken by the crew, can also be used depending on the mission.

Cost participation is defined according to mission duration, number of participants and project technical needs.

Collaborating with Race for Water means:
• Conducting fieldwork on a zero-emission vessel to advance your scientific projects
• Accessing the MODX 70 and its professional crew with full logistical and technical support for your research equipment
• Contributing to awareness-raising among the public, companies and policymakers
• Benefiting from communication and exposure through the Foundation’s networks (media, web, educational programmes, onboard workshops, stopover conferences)
• Turning knowledge into concrete action for Ocean protection

Ready to join the adventure? Contact us now!

Contact :
Camille Rollin – Ocean & Climate Odyssey Coordinator
camille.rollin@raceforwater.org
www.raceforwater.org

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